Labour MPs face a difficult decision on Tuesday as they vote on whether to launch a Privileges Committee inquiry into Sir Keir Starmer for allegedly misleading Parliament over the Peter Mandelson security vetting scandal. Privately, many MPs describe the situation as a 'lose-lose' scenario, with Starmer expected to whip his party to vote against the motion, ignoring the precedent set by Boris Johnson in 2022.
Starmer's Dilemma
One Labour MP expressed concern that supporting the inquiry would invite 'months of chaos and speculation' and hand the Conservatives a win, while voting against could damage the party's integrity. Some MPs are reportedly seeking excuses to avoid the vote, such as campaigning in local elections, to avoid being 'tainted by the whole saga.'
Comparison to Johnson
The comparison with Boris Johnson's case is central. In 2022, Johnson allowed a similar investigation without a vote, leading to his eventual resignation as an MP. However, those involved in the Johnson inquiry have mixed views on whether Starmer's case is comparable. One former committee member noted that Johnson's misleading was 'much clearer,' while Starmer's case is 'more nuanced and complicated.'
Another former member emphasized that a high threshold must be met for an investigation, and a third pointed out that a referral is not an assumption of guilt. Starmer could avoid the inquiry by correcting the record at the earliest opportunity, as was offered to Johnson, but Johnson declined and faced a 90-day suspension.
What Happens Next?
The allegations centre on whether Starmer knew about Mandelson's failed security vetting when The Independent informed Downing Street seven months ago, and whether he misrepresented evidence from Sir Olly Robbins. Starmer maintains he acted based on the information available at the time. If he chooses to correct the record, the inquiry could be avoided, but it remains uncertain whether he will take that step.
